Springfield Falcons beat Hartford Wolf Pack in American Hockey League

Photo by DAN HICKLINGSpringfield rookie Jordan Eberle swats in his second goal in two games since joining the Falcons this week, Saturday, at the XL Center in Hartford. At left is Hartford Wolf Pack goaltender Chad Johnson.

By DAN HICKLING

HARTFORD – Big goals, big saves, big time nail biting in the end.

In the long run, it amounted to a gutsy 4-3 win by the Springfield Falcons over the Hartford Wolf Pack, before 4,694 at the XL Center.

Four different Falcons hit the net, including rookie Jordan Eberle, while netminder Bryan Pitton made 33 saves, many of them in bunches. All of it factored into the suddenly-hot Birds’ fourth road win in the past five tries.

“We’re getting a lot of offense,” Falcons coach Rob Daum said. “We went through a stretch where we didn’t score very much. Now we’re getting four goals a game. When you get four goals a game you should win, even though we’re giving up three.”

The Falcons withstood a lopsided 17-7 first-period shot barrage and came away clutching a 2-0 lead.

It took a span of just 1:17 early in the second period of the lead to melt away, when Hartford struck for two quick markers.

However, the Falcons quickly went about restoring the two-goal edge. Eberle, the highly prized Edmonton Oiler prospect, put Springfield back in front, 3-2, at 6:12, when he snapped off a wrister from 10 feet away.

“Any time you get scored on,” Eberle said, “it’s important to have a good shift after that. We put it in, and I think that changed the momentum.”

Said Daum, “He’s got a knack for big goals. I think that’s an understatement. I think if you check his history, he’s scored some pretty big goals in his (junior) career.”

Six minutes later, former Wolf Pack center Chad Wiseman blasted in his 21st goal, taking aim from near the right boards.

Hartford cut the lead to one with less than five minutes to play, then spent the last two minutes on a power play after the Birds took their second penalty for too many men. Regardless, they managed to hang on for the win.

EMPTY NETTERS: Veteran defenseman Jake Taylor took a puck in the face, and was taken to a nearby hospital after the game for suspected facial and head injuries. His condition wasn’t immediately known ... Falcons team president Bruce Landon may have the most recognizable face in Springfield. Turns out its pretty well known across the line in Connecticut, too. Landon, who accompanied the team, here, was sought out by several groups of fans wearing Falcons gear between periods in the XL Center. As always, it seems, conversation centers on the Falcons future. “The biggest concern is whether there’s going to be hockey in Springfield, next year,” Landon said. “They’re good fans, and they’re down here supporting us. But there’s going to be hockey, next year. There’s just some things that need to be buttoned down, and hopefully that will be done very soon.” Landon, who has been associated with Springfield hockey since the 1960s, said it’s heartening to know that people care about the sport. “Our fans have been really loyal,” he said. “It’s frustrating for them, and I appreciate the fact that they’ve hung in there with us as long as they have.”